While Kirby Smart has been notoriously selective with the transfer portal, he just proved his timing is impeccable by landing a critical piece for his offense. The offense needs some bulking up after an on-and-off 2025 season, which is where this new recruit stands to help.

Georgia has secured former Kentucky RB Dante Dowdell from the portal. This will be his third move in his career, having previously played for Oregon and Nebraska. Dowdell finished second in Kentucky’s rushing attack this season, with 112 carries for 560 yards and 3 touchdowns. He will have one year of eligibility remaining and arrive at Georgia at just the right time.

The Bulldogs scored a massive win in retaining leading RB Nate Frazier, who announced his return. But he comes back to a unit that doesn’t have enough depth. Josh McCray has run out of eligibility, and Roderick Robinson is in the portal. He will get Chauncey Bowens for the 2026 season as well, but Dowdell’s inclusion adds some serious juice to the UGA rushing offense.

While he’s been shuffled in the depth chart throughout his career, Dowdell has been productive when given the chance, as evidenced by his 614-yard, 12-touchdown season at Nebraska. Dowdell played a big role in Kentucky’s opener against Toledo this season, providing a rushing score to amp up offensive efforts. The Wildcats’ offense struggled afterwards, but the RB had one more 100+ rushing yards game against Florida. That proven production is exactly what Georgia is looking for in a depth piece

At Georgia, Dowdell is slated to pitch in as the No. 3 RB in the room. Frazier and Bowens will lead the rushing attack, leaving the former Kentucky RB as the other experienced starting tailback. Georgia will also get to see Dwight Phillips Jr. and Bo Walker come back next season while welcoming rookie Jae Lamar. With Dowdell in play, Georgia’s rushing can adopt a three-pronged strategy in the run game. There’s SEC experience in him, and he could prove to be the burst Georgia needs at crucial times.

While Georgia will definitely rejoice in winning Dowdell’s commitment, there have been some losses in the portal as well. The Bulldogs avoided some major damage by securing Nate Frazier for 2026, following some drama.

Losing Nate Frazier would have been a big problem for Georgia.

Before the star RB announced his decision to come back, it was reported that Frazier did not have a contract from Georgia for the 2026 season. The talks accelerated significantly over the last two days, all while rumors of the RB moving to Ohio State continued to circulate. Frazier, with his 974 rushing yards, is one of the biggest players that Georgia absolutely had to retain.

Losing him would be reminiscent of the loss that came with Carson Beck’s departure to Miami, Dawn of the Dog reasoned. Georgia was fortunate to also receive Dante Dowdell’s commitment, as this situation could have taken a completely different turn otherwise. Frazier’s return ensures that Georgia will have stability at running back. His absence would have pushed Dowdell to take on a bigger role, which might not have worked as effectively. The Bulldogs’ run attack improved from 102nd in the country last year to 35th this year. However, this is still a unit that requires further refinement for 2026.

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